Kitchen islands serve a number of purposes. In addition to being a visual anchor in the space, they also help increase the room’s functionality and efficiency. And according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders more than 70% of buyers want an island in their kitchen, and of those, 50% consider it a must-have. Since it’s apparent that adding an island is a sound investment, we’ve gathered 60 of our favorite kitchen island ideas to use for inspiration.

If you like the contemporary feel of sleek, minimalist cabinets, add visual interest with patterned kitchen countertops. Some great kitchen countertop ideas for pattern include the use of striped stone materials or textures like series.

However, the key to using tin successfully is moderation. Since the designs imprinted on the finish are often very detailed, too much of this material can feel overwhelming to the eye. For best results, treat tin like a focal point. Use it in places where you’ll want to draw extra attention — behind a high-end stove, or over a wide sink.